RECYCLING SCHEDULE

This is a reminder that recycling in Kure Beach is ALWAYS on Monday EXCEPT if Christmas Day falls on a Monday. Otherwise, there’s pickup on ALL of the Monday Town holidays: MLK Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, etc. REMEMBER that July 4^th this year is on a MONDAY holiday and there WILL be recycle pickup.

SUMMER TENNIS IS COMING!

Check out the tennis class schedule on the Town’s website under TOWN VENUES, Parks & Recreation, Tennis. Fill out a registration form and bring it along with your payment in the form of check or cash only (no credit cards please) to Town Hall.  For the July tennis session, there will be a new procedure in place which we’ll announce next month.

JOB OPENING FOR TOWN OF KURE BEACH

     The Town of Kure Beach is accepting applications through June 17, 2011 at 5 pm for the full time position of an accounts receivable/utility billing/customer service representative. Duties include generation & collection of utility, recycling and garbage revenue; tracking & processing of franchise fee and tax revenue; preparation of bank deposits and customer service duties.

     Candidates must have the ability to multi-task, work effectively with the public and peers, be accurate and detailed and be computer literate.

Experience in a collections or billing operation involving public contact is preferred. Familiarity with bookkeeping and or accounting practices is a plus.

     Applications are available at Town Hall from 9am – 5pm, M–F or on the Town’s website under the EMPLOYMENT webpage. Submit applications to Kure Beach Town Hall, 117 Settlers Lane, Kure Beach, NC 28449 to the attention of the Town Clerk.

     The Town of Kure Beach is an equal opportunity employer. Salary range is $24,714 - $38,339.

PUBLIC HEARING - JUNE 8, 2011

Notice is hereby given that the Kure Beach Town Council will hold a public hearing at Town Hall regarding the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 11-12 on Wednesday, June 8 at 6:30pm, or soon thereafter. Information is available on the Town’s website or can be obtained at Town Hall.

KURE BEACH COMMITTEE VACANCIES

The Town of Kure Beach is always looking for residents who would like to serve on Town committees. For a list of committees and member vacancies, access the Town’s website and view the list at the bottom of the calendar list on the homepage. The Town is particularly looking for a volunteer to serve on the Planning and Zoning Commission.

COFFEE WITH THE MAYOR

Mayor Dean Lambeth wants to hear your thoughts and concerns regarding the Kure Beach community. Come and meet with him on Saturday mornings at Town Hall from 9:00 -11:00 am.

RECYCLING SCHEDULE

This is a reminder that recycling in Kure Beach is ALWAYS on Monday EXCEPT if Christmas Day falls on a Monday. Otherwise, there’s pickup on ALL of the Monday Town holidays: MLK Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, etc. REMEMBER that July 4^th this year is on a MONDAY holiday and there WILL be recycle pickup.

SUMMER TENNIS IS COMING!

Check out the tennis class schedule on the Town’s website under TOWN VENUES, Parks & Recreation, Tennis. Fill out a registration form and bring it along with your payment in the form of check or cash only (no credit cards please) to Town Hall.  For the July tennis session, there will be a new procedure in place which we’ll announce next month.

JOB OPENING FOR TOWN OF KURE BEACH

     The Town of Kure Beach is accepting applications through June 17, 2011 at 5 pm for the full time position of an accounts receivable/utility billing/customer service representative. Duties include generation & collection of utility, recycling and garbage revenue; tracking & processing of franchise fee and tax revenue; preparation of bank deposits and customer service duties.

     Candidates must have the ability to multi-task, work effectively with the public and peers, be accurate and detailed and be computer literate.

Experience in a collections or billing operation involving public contact is preferred. Familiarity with bookkeeping and or accounting practices is a plus.

     Applications are available at Town Hall from 9am – 5pm, M–F or on the Town’s website under the EMPLOYMENT webpage. Submit applications to Kure Beach Town Hall, 117 Settlers Lane, Kure Beach, NC 28449 to the attention of the Town Clerk.

     The Town of Kure Beach is an equal opportunity employer. Salary range is $24,714 - $38,339.

PUBLIC HEARING - JUNE 8, 2011

Notice is hereby given that the Kure Beach Town Council will hold a public hearing at Town Hall regarding the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 11-12 on Wednesday, June 8 at 6:30pm, or soon thereafter. Information is available on the Town’s website or can be obtained at Town Hall.

KURE BEACH COMMITTEE VACANCIES

The Town of Kure Beach is always looking for residents who would like to serve on Town committees. For a list of committees and member vacancies, access the Town’s website and view the list at the bottom of the calendar list on the homepage. The Town is particularly looking for a volunteer to serve on the Planning and Zoning Commission.

COFFEE WITH THE MAYOR

Mayor Dean Lambeth wants to hear your thoughts and concerns regarding the Kure Beach community. Come and meet with him on Saturday mornings at Town Hall from 9:00 -11:00 am.

In the past decade, a renaissance has occurred in the Greater Wilmington area, reaffirming the storied history of the region when Wilmington was the largest city in North Carolina.  People of all ages and backgrounds have been—and continue to be—drawn to the mild climate, beautiful shoreline, historic attractions, inviting business atmosphere and hometown feel of the Cape Fear Coast.  The Greater Wilmington area routinely garners praise for its favorable business climate, exceptional arts and cultural scene, breadth of tourist attractions, prolific area residents, beautiful beaches...well, we could go on and on, but we'll let the accolades speak for themselves: Wilmington Ranks #13 in Forbes Magazine's "Best Places for Business and Careers"   Coastal Living Magazine Names Wilmington a Coastal Dream Town
MovieMaker Magazine Names Cucalorus Film Festival One of 25 Coolest  Triathlete Magazine Names Wilmington "Triathlete's Top 20 Best Places to Live", NC Holiday Flotilla Selected as Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event


 Real Estate news this week in Wilmington does fall into the prediction of the national news this week.  The news stated that homes’ buying was down this month nationally.  According to Trulia the average price per square foot for Wilmington was $112, a decrease of 12.5% compared to the same period last year. The median sales price for homes in Wilmington NC for Feb 11 to Apr 11 was $166,500 based on 108 home sales. Compared to the same period one year ago, the median home sales price decreased 7.5%, or $13,500, and the number of home sales decreased 85.7%. There are currently 3,002 resale and new homes in Wilmington as well as 217 homes in the pre-foreclosure, auction, or bank-owned stages of the foreclosure process. The average listing price for homes for sale in Wilmington NC was $365,524 for the week ending May 23, which represents an increase of 0.6%, or $2,285, compared to the prior week.

One of Wilmington's greatest resources is its location nestled between the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean. It has an enduring relationship with the water that is interwoven through its history.  Just as colonists relied on the water for transportation of goods to build the region, so does 21st -century Wilmington rely on it to attract visitors and businesses, and to import and export materials from and to the world through the N.C. State Ports.  With that Wilmington offers a wide variety of jobs and with jobs come the need for housing.  Is it the time to take advantage of low prices?  With the trend of lower listing prices on homes it makes this the prime time to relocate here or buy for future investment purposes.  All in all Wilmington still attracts people because of the location and that will not change.  This makes Wilmington a sure investment and a great place to call home!

Q: What information do I need to know about a home appraisal and home inspections?

A: A home appraiser determines the value of your home (as of the current point in time) and a home inspection determines the condition of a structure. While appraisal are primarily for lenders, they also ensure a buyer does not overpay for a property. Home inspections are for buyers.

A home appraisal includes details about the house, a description of the neighborhood, a side-by side comparison of similar properties. It also contains an evaluation of the area's real estate market, notations of major problems with the property that may affect its value and an estimate of the expected time it could take to sell the property. You should have your lender order the appraisal, and you are entitled to obtain a copy of it.

This day, we are also seeing home owners and sellers order appraisals for their own knowledge. it can be very challenging to sell a home for an amount higher than the appraiser, so realistic expectations can be also be defined with an appraisal.

A home inspection is an evaluation of a home's condition that may identify improper building practices or the need for repairs, as well as fire, safety and health hazards. You should always include an inspection contingency (or due diligence period) in your offer to purchase. The information will help you determine how much you're willing to pay for a  home, and what repairs will be necessary and whether or not you want to walk away from the deal.

If you have more questions, or need capable and trustworthy representation, please call Coastwalk Real Estate at 910-458-9119

Serving Wilmington, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, Wrightsville Beach and Leland!

Existing-home sales slipped in April, although the market has managed six gains in the past nine months, according to the National Association of Realtors®. Larwance Yun, NAR chief economist, said the market is underperforming. “Given the great affordability conditions, job creation and pent-up demand, home sales should be stronger,” he said. “Although existing-home sales are expected to trend up unevenly through next year, unnecessarily tight credit is continuing to restrain the market, along with a steady level of low appraisals that result in contract cancellations.” A parallel NAR practitioner survey² shows 11 percent of Realtors® report a contract was cancelled in April from an appraisal coming in below the price negotiated between a buyer and seller, 10 percent had a contract delayed, and 14 percent said a contract was renegotiated to a lower sales price as a result of a low appraisal.  According to Freddie Mac, the national average commitment rate for a 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage was 4.84 percent in April, unchanged from March; the rate was 5.10 percent in April 2010.

The news on existing home sales trending in Carolina Beach this past week is relevant to the national home sales.  According to Truilia the average price per square foot for Carolina Beach was $167, a decrease of 3.5% compared to the same period last year. The median sales price for homes in Carolina Beach NC for Feb 11 to Apr 11 was $213,500 based on 17 home sales. Compared to the same period one year ago, the median home sales price decreased 3%, or $6,500, and the number of home sales decreased 82.1%. There are currently 416 resale and new homes in Carolina Beach including 33 homes in the pre-foreclosure, auction, or bank-owned stages of the foreclosure process. The average listing price for homes for sale in Carolina Beach was $332,233 for the week ending May 18, which represents a decrease of 0.9%, or $3,148, compared to the prior week.  The good news is that sales are increasing and inventory decreasing as we go into the summer season.

Why buy in Carolina Beach?  If you’ve ever thought about owning a home at the beach now is definitely the time.   Carolina Beach has so much to offer including a great investment due to the amount of visitors coming here.  This beach offers the historic Boardwalk and summer events that cater to both residents and visitors.  Here are some of the events scheduled for 2011:  Boardwalk Blast (music & fireworks on Thursday evenings), Family Nights (Tuesdays), Boardwalk Bingo (Wednesdays), Jazz Under the Stars (Wednesdays), and Summer Amusements (rides, games). Other events include Saturday Farmer's Market at the Lake (April-Oct.) Visit:  http://www.boardwalkmakeover.org    Along with the boardwalk Carolina Beach State Park is a must visit with a newly renovated marina secluded camping area, excellent fishing, and miles of hiking trails, including the Venus Flytrap Trail where this rare indigenous plant grows in its natural habitat. Visit:  www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/cabe/main.php/   

It’s time to jump into the market and buy on Carolina Beach and enjoy and Island that enjoys you.

Speaking of the sun (my last article)…researchers at Rambam Medical Center in Haifa, Israel have discovered antioxidant-rich foods help protect the skin from the damaging effects of the sun’s ultra-violet rays.  Health experts say 1,000,000 Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer this year. The Israeli scientists strongly advocate loading your diet with foods such as oranges, apricots, broccoli, carrots, cantaloupe and garlic; which contain high levels of cancer-fighting antioxidant carotenoids and vitamins.

UV radiation can penetrate deep into the skin and generate free radicals that interfere with the disease-fighting immune system. Antioxidants help block and repair free radical damage plus they boost the immune system. The carotenoid lycopene, which is present in tomatoes, tomato sauce and catsup, has been found to be extra effective in fighting the effects of UV triggered free radical damage. Plan on 7 tomato-rich meals a week or 3 to 7 milligrams of lycopene daily for full health benefits.

© 2011 Forte Communications, Inc. All Right Reserved

Saving water in your garden and yard trims your water bill and saves an increasingly scarce natural resource.

A water-efficient landscape can:

• Reduce outdoor water use by 20% to 50%

• Save up to 10,000 gallons a year

• Shave $30 to $70 off the average annual household water bill.

Planting drought-tolerant landscaping is one way to turn off the spigot in your garden. Here are other tips for saving water while growing flora.

1. Choose native plants

Native plants have had eons to adjust to the area’s normal rainfall, soil, and climate. Once established, they require little or no watering. Start your research on native plants at your local cooperative extension or botanical garden.

Websites such as eNature.com or H2ouse can help you find the best species for your location. Portland-based PlantNative has a handy database of nurseries nationwide that specialize in native plants.

      Looking great without spending much money is a lot easier than you may think, especially if you follow a few basic rules.  For starters, one of the best things you can do is to get a good haircut.  When your hair looks great, you’ll look stylish.  Here are a few more tips…

• When shopping for clothes have a plan.  Buy clothing that is versatile. Think little white blouse, under a blazer, with a pair of slacks or cute skirt.  Don’t purchase an outfit that only goes together.  You’ll get more looks for a lot less money.

• Buy clothes that are made of quality fabrics and that fit your body. Great-fitting clothes always look better than clothes that don’t —even if they’re on sale.

• Buy classics that are well-made and that never go out of style (the chic little black dress, sleek dressy slacks, the classy skirt).  When in doubt dress monochromatically.  It’ll make you look slimmer, and it’s easy to add accessories to jazz up your look.

• Invest in accessories (stylish shoes, a great scarf, trendy belt, leather bag). Good-looking jewelry can make a simple outfit look polished.

• Lastly, buy clothing at the end of the season when you can find great savings.  You can get great deals on suits, jackets, and shoes.

© 2011 Forte Communications, Inc. All Right Reserved

Q.  We are thinking about selling our home soon.  How do we select the best real estate agent?

A. Before you hire a real estate agent there are several things you want to think about.  While it might be nice to have cousin Sal list your house or your best friend’s husband, remember this is a business decision.  You want to hire the best person for the job. 

      First, interview several agents with at least 3-4 years of experience and a solid record of sold properties.  They should be knowledgeable about your neighborhood, community, and houses similar to yours. They should have good pricing skills and know the current market conditions.  Be sure to ask for references!  Next, compare marketing plans and resources used for selling your home.   Look for innovative ways the agent uses to target and attract the right kind of buyer for your home.  The more traffic they can generate, the higher your odds of getting your home sold fast and for the best price.  Next, select an agent who is affiliated with a reputable company with good community exposure.  Finally, you want an agent who is compatible with you and who communicates well.

© 2011 Forte Communications, Inc. All Right Reserved